Think “The Last Of Us” but with Dinosaurs instead of Zombies, and with a little bit of an “Armageddon” vibe, that’s the kind of adventure you’re looking at with the “65 Movie” starring Adam Driver and Ariana Greenblatt.
After a catastrophic crash on an unknown planet, pilot Mills (Driver) quickly discovers he’s actually stranded on Earth — 65 million years ago. Now, with only one chance at a rescue, Mills and the only other survivor, Koa (Greenblatt), must make their way across an unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures.
When the plot of the film was revealed, the big question was, how did Mills end up in the past? When you see how the story unfolds, how Mills came to be where is, it really is a unique concept. Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, writers of “A Quiet Place” and produced by Sam Raimi, director of “Spider-Man” and “Doctor Strange”.
“This film for us is almost a hybrid of a Roland Emmerich disaster film with Terrence Malick or something,” says Woods. After surviving the crash, Mills finds out he’s not the only survivor and he finds Koa. The two must find a way across the perillous prehistoric ladscape to the their ship’s escape pod if the ever hope to go home. Driver and Greenblatt work incredibly well together. The two had great chemistry onscreen and their relationship in the film reminds one of Joel and Ellie’s. Their bond throughout the story is a highlight of the film. We see Mills fighting to protect Koa, but at the same time, we see Koa save Mills when he needs her.
Despite a slow start that built up certain parts of the story, once the action kicked off things started flowing smoothly and we see Driver fighting off new prehistoric threats, or dealing with a new obstacle with Greenblatt by his side. However, after seeing the trailer, it felt like the film did not have as much Dino action as we’d expected, but what it did have was well done, with impressive visuals and some exciting fight sequences. Aside from all the action in the film, you’ll find this story is rooted in family. There are a lot of emotional moments as well where both Driver and Greenblatt get to show off their dramatic acting skills. Most of that emotion comes from Mills and Koa’s family. When you learn about Mills and his backstory throughout the film you see why their bond is so special.
The last few moments of the film are action packed and truthfully, full of far better Dino action than you will find in the Jurrassic World movie. The film ends on a sweet note, what happens next, that’s for you to decide.
Courtesy of Sony
The film is anchored by Adam Driver’s incredible performance. It has been a while since we have seen him in a thriller and it was a treat to see Driver in action once again since we mainly see him in dramas. For Driver, the chance to play a character whose physical battle to survive mirrors his emotional battle was impossible to resist “Every scale of filmmaking interests me and no filmmaking experience is alike. This movie, 65, particularly seemed like a unique, big swing..” Said Driver “Because it was dinosaurs, so the scale was big, but it had room for thoughtful characters & big overall themes while being extremely entertaining. When families go as a group to see the same film in a theatre, it’s a special thing to be a part of” Driver brought a lot of intense action to the film. We’ve never seen him in a film with this much action in it before, and Driver has starred in films such as the “Star Wars” sequel series, “The Last Duel” and “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote”. Adam Driver was absolutely badass fighting off dinosaurs in the “65” Movie.
This “65” Movie required Driver to film a lot of action scenes, stunts and called for a lot of physical acting. It also required him to work with a very futuristic firearm. Since Driver used to be a Marine that part wasn’t that hard. Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods praised Adam’s performance as well as well as his work ethic. “He’s in almost every frame of this film,” says Woods. “Adam does all of his own stunts, and as far as we’re concerned, he might as well be Tom Cruise, Action Star. His work ethic and his ability to do stunts and emoting and telling the story through running across a forest. It’s all next-level.”
Courtesy of Sony
Not to be forgotten is the young up and Comer Ariana Greenblatt. The 15 year old actress (13 when filming) delivered a stellar performance, especially considering that she had to speak a completely different language for this film. She said a lot while barely saying anything, and even Ariana got some badass moments of her own. The young actress admitted she was “really nervous” coming into the project and working with Driver. “I felt a lot of pressure because he’s incredible and and it was just the two of us.” Said Ariana Greenblatt about her co star Driver. “He’s so talented and inspiring. I respect Adam and his work so much. When I tested with him via Zoom, he even had impact through the screen. You could really feel everything he’s giving you.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Greenblatt admitted that the 65 Movie was the most demanding job of her career so far. “I learned more than I have ever on this film. I learned how to deal with extreme weather and climate conditions. I learned how to deal with a lot of emotionally draining and physically draining scenes. So this film really has taught me a lot about the entire process, and I’m so grateful for that.”
You will most likely come out of this film with some questions, but the best way to enjoy this film is to just forget technicalities and be in the present, or should I say past.
This action packed thriller may not have lived upto certain people’s expectations, but Beck and Wood’s unique take on the genre delivers both an exciting an emotional film that people will enjoy, especially when witnessed in a cinema. These days everywhere you look its a Superhero film, so it was a breath of fresh air to be able to sit in the cinema and enjoy a good, original Dinosaur thriller. Beck and Woods have made dinosaurs actually scary for the first time in a long while, using jump scares, misdirection and surprises. In a time of big budget blockbusters, sequels, franchises and Marvel and DC movies its nice to get to witness a unique adventure that stands out from the rest.
What do you get when you take the writers of “The Quiet Place, the director of Spider-Man, an Oscar Nominated A Lister, and up and coming young actress and a bunch of dinosaurs?
“65” Movie is playing in theatres now.
Fangirl and Writer with a huge passion for entertainment.
